A Newcastle dealer has been put behind bars for being involved in a drugs conspiracy involving kilos of cocaine and cannabis.
Craig Fraser was involved in conversations with others about an agreement to supply at least three kilos of cocaine and over nine kilos of cannabis between March and May 2020. The 41-year-old used EncroChat, allowing him to send and receive encrypted messages which masked his offending.
Fraser, of Wingrove Road North, Fenham, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court via link from HMP Durham to be sentenced for conspiracy to supply cocaine and conspiracy to supply cannabis.
The court heard that Fraser, who ran a butchery and meat business, became "significantly involved" with others within a seven-day period and agreed to take part in the supply of the drugs.
Judge Stephen Earl said the conspiracy was going to be a "significant enterprise" and that Fraser would have "benefitted significantly" from the commercial sale of the drugs. He added that "drugs are a scourge to our society" and said Fraser used EncroChat to "mask chats" regarding the conspiracy.
Fraser, who had 16 previous convictions for 32 offences, was said to have no relevant previous conviction relating to drug supply and the court had obtained references of his "good character".
Fraser was jailed for 10 years and six months.
Read next:
- 10 people arrested after drugs, weapons and stolen jet skis seized from North East properties
- North Shields fire damages life-saving equipment used by emergency services
- County Durham woman who forced children to eat soap and locked them in cupboards jailed
- Arthur's Hill killer admits stabbing man to death in West End of Newcastle
- Gateshead shop raider laughed and pulled 'crazy faces' after threatening to slit worker's throat
